A state-of-the-art classroom is to be officially opened at the Leeds General Infirmary.

The new Learning Zone - provided by Education Leeds’ Home Hospital and Teaching Service - will provide children and young people with continued education if their schooling is interrupted because of having to spend time in hospital.

The Learning Zone - run in conjunction with the East SILC (Specialist Inclusive Learning Centre) John Jamieson School and Technology College - has the latest ICT equipment across three teaching areas and includes a multi-sensory room, to help to provide children and young people with special needs access to a sensory curriculum, as well as a quiet study area for older children.

The classroom is a vital resource during treatment and recovery periods and the education team works closely with health professionals to ensure all children and young people benefit as much as possible from their time there.

The classroom provides a full programme of interactive lessons linked to the core national curriculum and for those unable to leave the ward, there are resources - such as books, laptops, science equipment and sensory activities - for education staff to use for ward teaching.

Councillor Sue Bentley, lead member for education at Leeds City Council, said:“We are committed to providing the best possible education to our children and young people at all times and this fantastic service ensures learning continues even when a school can’t be accessed.

“The new, state-of-the-art facilities at the LGI will benefit every child and young person who uses them and ensure their education does not suffer because they are unable to attend their usual school.”

Chris Edwards, chief executive of Education Leeds, said:“The Hospital Home Teaching Service provides an outstanding service to children and young people who unfortunately have to spend time in hospital. As well as providing an essential education which ensures their time away from school does not have a negative impact on their studies, it also helps to provide a sense of normality during what can be difficult times.

“These new facilities at the LGI will provide a real boost to the service and will continue the great work that’s been carried out for many years at St James’ University Hospital.”

The education team works closely with the child or young person’s school to collect assessment and curriculum details. After discharge from the hospital, the team advises the school on helping the child or young person reintegrate and arranges home teaching if necessary.

There are 11 different wards at the LGI which meet the needs of children and young people with a range of short-term, long-term and recurrent medical needs. The hospital is the regional centre for the treatment of many conditions including oncology, acquired brain injuries, cystic fibrosis and liver, renal and cardiac conditions, and children and young people come from as far away as Lincoln, York, Hull, Barnsley and Scarborough.

The Hospital and Home Teaching Service was identified as outstanding when it was inspected by Ofsted in April 2009.